Defining SONOS

SONOS is an acronym relating to silicon oxide/nitride oxide silicon, which is a form of non volatile memory used in computer hardware. Similar in nature to Flash RAM, it is identifiable by its use of silicone nitride, rather than the conventional use of polysilicon for its main storage.

There is another type similar to SONOS, called SHINOS, which offers increased endurance of the program-erase cycle and decreased programming voltages when compared against the traditional materials and is a cutting edge memory technology currently in development by major players in the industry.

Memory Installation Guides

Memory is one of the simplest upgrades that you can perform on your computer. To make it even easier our support team have created both installation videos and a written guide for you to follow.

Should you have any issues with your installation please see our FAQ page or contact our support team via live chat or at support@offtek.co.uk.

Lifetime Warranty

All OFFTEK memory is backed by our full lifetime warranty. We obsess over our products so you do not have to. Our team constantly strive to ensure that all our memory is of the highest quality but should you ever have any issues with your purchase you have the peace of mind that you can return your product for a replacement if the need arises.

Top Brands

We have close relationships with all of the top tier RAM memory manufacturers which enables us to provide a constant supply of the highest quality products. This in effect means compatible, reliable RAM and most importantly great prices, all backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If you require a specific brand of memory then please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales team.

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

What is a Memory Rank?

To a relative computer layman, the term Memory rank is a fairly innocuous one. To someone well versed in the inner mechanics of a PC, then it is an integral hardware component that allows more space to be allocated for your computer’s data. In this short article, we will try and explain just a little bit about memory ranks for those of us who don’t find this kind of thing easy to understand.

The Definition

A Memory Rank is a multiple of DRAM chips, organised in lines (or ranks), that are connected to same microchip.

The term ‘Rank’ was coined by the standards authority for the memory industry, the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (or JEDEC for short), as a way to differentiate between the separate memory banks that exist on a module. ‘What is a module?’ I hear you cry. Well, simply put, it is general term for a number of separate electronic circuits grouped together on a circuit board to perform basic operations within a PC’s internal workings.

A Memory Storage Area

To further break it down into its base parts, a memory Rank is an area of data that uses some, or all in some cases, of a module’s internal memory chips. 1 Rank is equal to 1 data block that is 64 bits wide. A module can be made up of 1, 2 or 4 ranks of data and is referred to as being single, dual or quad rank.

Single or Dual Sided

In addition to having up to 4 ranks of data blocks, a memory module can also be dual sided i.e. it has a bank of chips on both sides of the PCB, it will be denoted as being dual sided.

What to look out for - When looking through technical PC manuals which describe and explain the inner components of a computer in detail, it is easy to get intimidated by the often confusing terminology. With regards to memory, denotations are the thing to look out for. For example, a single sided, dual rank module will be annotated as 1Rx2 or a dual sided quad rank module would be 2Rx4.

Pros and Cons of Higher Rank Modules

Of course, having more ram can’t typically be seen as a bad thing, but it can lead to problems installation, depending on your server. Servers will sometimes have a limit on the amount of ranks it can house.

If you’re not sure on your servers limitations, you should refer to your manual for specifics and remember to keep an eye out for the annotations mentioned above. Alternatively give our technical suppport team a call or email and they will confirm the exact specification that will work within your current server setup.

Conclusion

We hope that we have made the complicated world of circuit boards, memory slots and ranks that little bit clearer for you. With a little guidance, understanding what your PC needs to work effectively doesn’t need to be a traumatic experience.

If you are looking to place a quantity order or are buying on behalf of the public or private sector then please contact one of our designated account managers who will be able to deal with your requirements in more detail.

Unsure on your current memory specification or looking to purchase in quantity?

For any queries you may have please contact one of our experienced Memory Specialists via one of the following methods and they will ensure that any issue is resolved immediately and effectively.

The advantages of adding more Ram Memory

Installing a memory module is one of the simplest upgrades that can be done to a computer

There is no configuration, no sitting around waiting for things to update and backup. It is simply plug and play!By adding more Ram memory into you laptop, desktop or server you will be doing the following:

Improving the overall performance of the machine

Allowing for increased multitasking

Extending the life of the machine

Producing faster boot times

Increasing productivity

Decreasing latency in gaming

Adding memory is the easiest upgrade available for your machine for the best increase in performance. If you are unsure on how to upgrade your machine no problem take a look at our detailed guides on how to install your new Laptop or Desktop Memory upgrade.

Compatibility Guarantee

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

Why buy from offtek

Matched Ram upgrades for your specific model

Offtek provides matched upgrades for new and legacy machines. Every one of our RAM modules are tested to ensure that not only are they compatible with the machine but also that they perform in a wide range of different environmental conditions. This allows us to back our modules with a limited lifetime warranty.

Established in 1996, OFFTEK is trusted by many of the UK's best known household names as their number ONE source for ram upgrades.

Misson critical or movie night we have your upgrade sorted

Our team is made up of memory specialists with an average of 9 years experience in the RAM industry. We offer upgrades for not only the latest machines on the market but just as important those legacy machines that you need to keep running.

RAM is extremely important in ensuring your machine operates at its optimum performance. Our upgrades ensure that your computer will be performing at its best for years to come.

Fast Free UK Delivery

We offer FAST FREE UK Delivery on all orders with 96% of orders dispatched same day. For those that cannot wait we also offer faster delivery options including next day.

60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Not 100% happy with your order then return it to us under our No Quibble 60 Day Money Back Guarantee. Worried you might have made the wrong choice? With our no quibble return policy you can send it back to us and get a full refund up to 60 days after you've received your order. Whether you've picked the wrong product or just changed your mind you can send your order back to us and you'll get all your money back.

Twice Daily Price Checks

Our Price Promise commitment means that you can buy from us with confidence.

Our team works hard to ensure that you not only have peace of mind in the fact that the memory you order is 100% compatible but that our price is also the lowest for that product.

We check our prices daily against all our competitors to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Experts On Hand

We have dedicated and highly trained experts with an average of 7 years experience. They are here to help you from purchase through to installation. We use a number of contact methods so you can speak to one of our specialists with ease.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Feel confident that your memory will last a lifetime. Our limited lifetime warranty guarantees that if your memory should ever fail we will replace or repair the product free of charge provided that it is still manufactured. Please note that the lifetime warranty refers only to memory modules and not flash memory or storage products. Please see the individual 'product details' for warranties specific to each product.

100% Compatibility

Every memory product matched specifically to your machine is individually tested to guarantee reliability and 100% compatibility with your computer and operating system.

Online Since 1997

Offtek has been supplying memory online since 1997 with over 500,000 happy customers. Well, maybe the odd one does'nt like us ;)

We have always been passionate about providing our customers with the tools and information to update their systems in the simplest manner. Early in 1996 we took on the challenge to find the type of memory compatible with every computer ever built. Hence our first memory configurator was born. Our constant daily updates allow our customers to easily select the correct memory for their machines and that objective is as important today as it was when the idea was first broached across a kitchen table in central Birmingham

Large Stock Holding

As one the largest memory distributors in Europe, our large stock holding allows us to offer next day delivery on a wide range of products.

Environmentally Friendly

If you have no need for your old memory after you have upgraded to one of our larger/faster modules, we will recycle this for you free of charge under the WEEE directive.

Delivery Options

UK Delivery

Free UK Delivery (within 5 working days) £0.00

1st Class Delivery (within 1-2 working days) £0.95

Next Day (Before 1PM) £5.95

Next Day (Before 9AM) £15.50

Saturday Guaranteed £10.50

DHL Courier and same day delivery options are available on request.
More info

International Delivery

We now deliver to over 200 countries worldwide with DHL at incredibly low prices.

Contact form for the Privacy Officer

You can contact the Offtek Privacy Officer at any point should you have any queries relating to our "Privacy Policy".

This form allows you execute your right to be forgotten. You have the right to object to our use of your personal data, or ask us to view, edit, remove or stop using it if there is no need for us to keep it.

In order to comply with your request, we may ask you to verify your identity.

If you request removal of your personal information, we may as detailed within our Privacy Policy be required to retain some of your data for a minimum period.

First Name

Last Name

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Enquiry

We will only use your details to provide a response and/or to complete your request.